About Ben H.

I am in a country band where I sing and play acoustic rhythm and lead guitar. Took classes on country picking at musicians institute

About Ben

Hello, my name is Ben and GUITAR IS MY BUSINESS...AND MY BUSINESS IS GOOD so please consider me. I've been playing guitar for over 18 years and have been in playing bands for 12 years. Recently after the band broke up, I decided to further my education and went to Musicians Institute in Hollywood California. There I was taught by the best guitar players in the world. Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert, Scott Henderson, Tommy Emmanuel and Johnny Hiland were just a few of the great players who gave clinics there. I received a degree in Guitar Performance and the knowledge I received there made me UNDERSTAND the mystery that is the guitar.

I can teach Rock/Metal, Country (lead and rhythm), Blues, Alternative, Acoustic, Classical, Chord Melody, Melodic Soloing, Twang, Chords, Scales, Modes, Many different lead and rhythm techniques a

nd more importantly any song you want to go over.

I feel learning to play your favorite songs is the most important and the most fun about guitar playing. After playing songs, some of the information given (scales, chords, theory, ear-training) starts to make some since and you begin to slowly figure the guitar out.

Theory and Ear-training I feel are very important to learn when trying to understand music. It just gives you a basic mathematical way of understanding how music works. It can be very frustrating to learn and takes some time to sink in so if you don't want to learn it then that is great. Ear-training is cool because when you start to understand it you can actually hear music and not just listen to it. You can listen to a chord progression on the radio and go home and play it and also improvise over it.

I encourage BEGINNERS through EXPERT to at least hear what I have to say. I have A LOT of information to give about the guitar. I played for ten years made 2 demo CDs, one full length album, another demo specifically for Metal Blade Records, was in a big cover band and so I thought I knew it all and was a great guitar player. Then I went to GUITAR SCHOOL in Hollywood and reality hit me.I wasn't as good as I thought. When you hear the best guitar players in the world everyday for a year and a half like I did at Musicians Institute it makes you want to be better and practice, practice, practice. I learned everything there about guitar and music and I know the Right way to teach.

Please consider me for your guitar teacher I will make it fun and a good learning experience as well.

Thank you, Ben

*** Lesson Details ***It depends on what level the student is on and that is where we will go with the lesson. If you are a beginner we will start with the very basics. I try to make it to where you can easily understand everything taught. The most important part of the lesson is you are having fun with playing the guitar and also getting as much information as possible. Upper level students may want to go over a song they are learning or want to know about theory or chords. Usually we will talk about where you are at with your playing and then go from there.

*** Travel Equipment ***Books and paper. They should have guitar and pick

*** Specialties ***Teaching Rock, metal, country lead, blues, ear training, theory solo improvization. Scales and chords and how they go together. Melodic soloing and chord melody. Can teach out of a book and can read music. But most importantly have fun and learn cool songs

...

Reviews

Chris March 11, 2018·Guitar·In home

Ben is a great teacher for a beginner like me. He is patient, professional and flexible with schedule.

Francis Govers December 8, 2017·Guitar·In home

I've been very happy with Ben - he has been very helpful and encouraging, and his playing is very nice. He knows his stuff and is happy to share his knowledge and experience. I certainly appreciate his enthusiasm for the guitar.

Nancy Cook August 21, 2017·Mandolin·In home

Really flexible and very helpful. Prompt and friendly.

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Ben H.

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Ben H.

Euless, TX 76040

(19)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Andrew S.

About Andrew

Education/Experience:

Guitarist/ Singer/Composer/Arranger/Music Producer, Andy S., is an experienced, well-versed musician in many disciplines of music. He has a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz studies from the prestigious University of North Texas and Masters in Jazz Arranging/Composition from the University of North Texas. He has also been an educator of the art since 1993 and performing for over 25 years. He is Professor of guitar/voice/bass and Director of SFA State University's contemporary ensembles as well as their arranger.

As an Arranger/Composer/Producer:

Andy has written, arranged, produced, performed and recorded for a variety of artists over the years including an original composition by world renowned jazz artist, Kurt Rosenwinkel, which was performed by Kurt himself along with the, Grammy award winning, Universi

ty of North Texas’s One O’clock lab band in Spring of 2010.

As a Performer:

Andy is accomplished in jazz, classical, rock, r&b as well as well other styles of music. He has performed regularly with several jazz and original groups around the DFW area. He also has performed with and co-produced for recording artists from the Nashville, Miami and Washington D.C. areas. He also currently holds a position at First United Methodist Grapevine as guitarist, singer and part time arranger.

Service: Andy also strongly believes that service to humanity is of the utmost importance. He has performed for and been a part of many worth while causes such as the Dallas Life Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, Food For Hunger Organizations, Medi Send, as well as Habitat for Humanity.

...

Reviews

Sydney H. December 2, 2017·Acoustic Guitar·In home

Andrew has been a wonderful teacher. Funny and patient.

Mike July 1, 2017·Guitar·In studio

Excellent knowledge, presentation and communication. He taught at the right level for me. He's a great teacher.

Lily N. April 8, 2017·Vocal Training·In studio

My daughter has really enjoyed her first lesson . Andrew has been very flexible with our schedule to meet my daughter's need. She's going to have the final singing on next month. He will help her to get through. I highly recommend him as a great teacher.

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Andrew S.

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Andrew S.

Keller, TX 76248

(10)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Marc M.

About Marc

I teach all styles of guitar, as I have been in many different types of music situations: Soloist (Classical) Ensemble (Classical and Jazz) Lead and Rhythm (Various Rock and Roll bands) Songwriting and Recording. I am a people person that learned the guitar from many different sources. Most of my learning came from watching others and communicating with others. I like to learn about the people I am teaching so that I can better understand their needs as a musician. My education came as a practical necessity in order to get better as a teacher and performer, as well as make a living doing it. But, by no means do I preach the need to be "educated" but only to be a working, practical musician. I will surely go over the need to read music once the need becomes evident, enlighten you as to why it may be important to understand certain aspect

s of music as opposed to just "picking and grinning", IE learning only "By Ear." I do specialize in music theory, and have many students taking lessons simply for this excellent foundation for songwriting also.

I am a classically trained guitarist that performs both as a soloist and for ensemble in a wide variety of styles. I graduated in 1996 from Schoolcraft College with an Associates degree in Music performance, and then, studying under the tutelage of Brian Roberts went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance with a secondary in Jazz from Wayne State University in 2004. While at Wayne State and along the way I've performed and participated in several masterclasses with renowned artists: William Kanengiser, John Holmquest, Philip Candelaria, Jason Vieaux, Scott Tennant, and Antigoni Goni. I have also completed the teacher requirements for books 1-a and 1-b for the Suzuki Guitar Institute.

Many of my classical guitar and electric guitar students have went on to study further at the collegiate level, some achieving scholarships. My most recent students are current Berklee school of music graduates now in a band called "Flight of Fire", recently opened for Bonjovi this past summer and are getting air time on local radio stations... well on their way to living the dream! â¦the bulk of my students become full time professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***I am an extremely patient person who has been teaching for over 20 years. I am laid back so there will be no pressure. With my electric and steel string guitar students, I host a special "Jam Session" 2 - 3 times a year to which will be one of your goals to participate in. This includes playing with a drummer, bassist, singer and another guitar player (usually me) and having it recorded. This should serve as your motivation to practice. This really eliminates the need for me to pull out a "yardstick" and "smack" your hands over the knuckles when not practicing your scales as many old traditional teachers may have done!

At your first lesson I will talk with you and give you examples of music that is played with a Flat-Pick, or music that uses the Finger-Style technique. This will be an important process as it will dictate which direction you will go in as a musician and especially during our lessons.

For the most part, playing with a Flat-Pick is generally used with the electric guitar and with most mainstream styles of music like "Rock and Roll", "Blues", "Rock-a-Billy" "Funk", and playing with the Finger-Style technique is used in styles like "Classical" and "Folk." After a while, I will introduce you to the other style of playing as well, as most great guitar players use both techniques in their playing...musicians (guitarists) such as: âJimmy Pageâ, âBrian Setzerâ, âStevie Ray Vaughanâ, âJoe Satrianiâ, âLindsey Buckinghamâ, âPaul McCartneyâ, âJohn Mayerâ, and many, many more.

To make learning the guitar Fun, I make sure to incorporate your main interest(s) first. Whether it be learning your new favorite song(s), learning how to write a song, or just learning some basics that you can use for when sitting around the campfire. This will be intertwined with which style you choose to start with: Flat-Pick or Finger-Style.

Pending on the level that you are starting at, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) I will include tidbits of music theory that will be used in a consistent manner. These will usually be progressive, pending on your level. For example, the songs you learn will be written out in an easy to understand chart that will have the fundamental aspects of theory (IE, chords, key, and rhythm pattern) that all musicians should understand.

With Children learning with a Flat-Pick, I encourage the use of a basic guitar instruction book.Level One (beginners) :

"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One" by Will Schmid.

I will also use as a substitute for Level One: "Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" by Alfred's Publishing Co.

More advanced players who can read music already (and graduates from book one) I prefer; "Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book Two"

With Adults, I will ask if learning to read music interests you. It is a vital part of a practicing musician, but sometimes your needs may require a more one dimensional approach as time may be of essence. Again, I learned by ear and educated myself later...so I understand the person who wants to hold off on reading right away.

Students who want to learn the Classical (Finger-Style) approach will be encouraged to purchase a beginners book that I use written by one of my first instructors/mentor. It is a very intuitive book that covers the technique in great detail yet is very easy to understand (along with my help.) I will provide means of acquiring this book at your first lesson.

Students who want to learn the Folk (Finger-Style) approach will usually start in the above book, unless your an adult who just wants to learn some basics.

At your first lesson I will also provide you with documentation that goes more in depth about the various styles of guitar as the above info is scaled down.

*** Studio Equipment ***-Amps

-Guitars (Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass)

- PA (loud speakers so you can Turn it Up! When playing along)

-Band in a Box (to play along with real prerecorded instruments seamlessly interleaved into a band type setting with almost unlimited genre choices...very impressive technology)

Reviews

Chris February 8, 2018·Songwriting·In studio

I only got to take lessons from Marc for a couple of months in the summer of 2016 (I had to move away for work), but he is hands down the best music teacher I've ever encountered. It's a year and a half later and I'm still benefitting from his tutelage. From beginner to advanced, you've found the right guy for the job.

Annette August 21, 2017·Classical Guitar·In studio

Marc is a great classical guitar teacher. He makes learning fun and easy. I highly recommend him.

Matthew G. August 9, 2017·Guitar·In home

Friendly, motivating, honest and awesome guy.

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Marc M.

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Marc M.

Online

(34)

starting at

$22
/ 30-min

About Jordan D.

I am an experienced, educated, professional guitar player with a background in rock, blues, worship, jazz, classical, contemporary, country, and folk guitar. I have played/led for numerous worship teams, independent bands, and ensembles which are detailed in my "about me" section. I graduated Magna-Cum Laude from UTA with a bachelors degree in Music-Media with guitar as my primary performing instrument. I am the worship leader for Living Life Church, a private guitar instructor, an intern under Brad Nyght at The Bakery Studio, and a freelance musician/producer/composer.

About Jordan

13 years ago, I picked up a guitar and began my life-long pursuit of music. This pursuit has led me in a wide variety of directions. Today, I am a worship leader for Fellowship of The Parks, an on-staff music-producer and session musician at Drive35 Productions, and a passionate instructor.

I have a passion for a wide variety of styles of music. For several years, I was the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for multiple independent rock bands, the most notable being an indie psychedelic band called Tod The Fox. I have led worship for many churches including Grace Fellowship UMC, Brazos Pointe Church, The Cornerstone College Ministry at UTA, FUMC Allen, Living Life Church, and Fellowship of the Parks in varying capacities. At UTA, I studied Jazz and Classical guitar under acclaimed guitarists Sam Walker and Billy Robertson. Here,

I also studied theory, piano, sight-singing, and music-production extensively. I graduated Magna Cume Laude with a Bachelor of Music-Media from UTA. After school, I spent 9 months interning/assistant engineering with acclaimed musician/composer/producer Brad Nyght at The Bakery Studio in Dallas- whose credits include being the drummer for The Michael Gungor Band and Desperation Band. Then, got hired as an on-staff session musician and music producer at Drive35 Productions. I have also played guitar, mandolin, and bass for multiple pit orchestras and guitar for the North Lake Jazz Ensemble with director Jim Eger.

My teaching style varies from student to student. Music is a wonderfully diverse subject and every student has his own aspirations. I will do my best to cater each lesson to the student's goals and interests. Whether that is classical guitar method, rock, jazz, folk, country, pop or anything in between.

I have an excellent internet connection and microphone set up for online lessons. I also utilize screen-sharing to make the lessons as close to real life as possible.

*** Lesson Details ***Lessons will vary significantly from student to student. Not only does every student have different goals in mind, they all learn differently as well. I do my best to customize my lessons for each student's goals and needs. A typical guitar, bass, ukulele, or piano lesson may involve music-reading, chord studies, technical work, scale practice, theory, and of course learning awesome songs!

I consider myself a healthy balance between professional and light-hearted. As much as I want to make efficient use of the lesson-time, my primary goal is for the student to truly understand and enjoy music.

I have worked hard to be a flexible musician and teacher. I am competent in jazz, rock, classical, contemporary, blues, worship, country, and beyond and will be happy to teach any (or all) of these styles to any student.

*** Specialties ***I specialize in contemporary, rock, blues, and worship guitar, but have extensive experience in classical and jazz guitar as well. I am also an on-staff session guitar player for Drive35 Productions and can help anyone interested in the skills necessary to play for a studio.

For piano, I teach beginner to intermediate level students in a variety of genres. I use piano on a daily basis for composing, arranging, and performing.

For bass, I can also teach a variety of genres. I specialize in blues/rock/contemporary but have experience in classical and jazz bass as well.

For ukulele, I specialize in pop music adaptation and classical.

For mandolin, I teach basic beginner music skills- reading and strumming techniques.

...

Reviews

brandon C. March 6, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Jordan is incredibly knowledgeable! He knows exactly when to skip around based on your individual learning rate and is always able to answer theory questions and keep the lesson on track! Super kind and an all around great guy! Would definitely recommend! Planning on signing my daughter up as soon as she's old enough!

David January 26, 2018·Mandolin·In studio

Great first session. Jordan put me at ease, we clearly defined our goals and a lesson plan then got right to it. Looking forward to working with him.

Drew P. November 27, 2017·Guitar·In studio

great first lesson, looking forward to many more

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Jordan D.

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Jordan D.

Carrollton, TX 75006

(83)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Riley W.

About Riley

Since 1985, Riley has been one of the nation's premier guitar and bass teachers. He's been a working professional guitarist/singer since 1972, teaching since 1985 and a writer since 1987. You're read his work in "Electronic Musician," "Gig," "Guitar World," "Guitar School," "Real to Reel" and "Vintage Guitar" magazines, where he wrote the popular "Gigmeister column for 12 years! He's the author and publisher of "Guitar Made Simpler- An Intelligent Approach, a new book that applies the GIT approach to beginner guitar pedagogy. Past and present students include George Bond (Lakewood Rats, Mirror Image), Mark Keith and Michael Wooten (BlackWatch), Alan Tyler (Tarnished), Tad Walters (Bob Margolin, solo artist) Michael Moore and many others. Today, he still maintains a busy teaching schedule at his state of the art home studio in North Texas

Due to his gigging schedule, regular student lessons are occasionally rescheduled for in the field "research" in the form of live shows. Unlike college professors, this "research" is used to rigorously test information in the "line of fire." This means students learn the latest techniques that work under real world conditions.

Don't settle for mediocre! If you're been looking for the best in learning guitar or bass, contact TakeLessons now!

...

Reviews

Sharla May 20, 2016·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Event after more than 13 years of guitar instruction with Riley, there is always a new technique or song structure lesson to learn. He knows an incredible amount about music, performance, and (to be honest) living a good life. He is an inspiration to me both musically and personally, and his enthusiasm for both is unmatched.

Eric May 19, 2016·Guitar·In studio

In my opinion, I have very little natural talent for music. I hadn't played an instrument with any proficiency in the past. Well, I had played air guitar and guitar hero before, but neither of them really prepared me for actually playing a guitar. Sometimes I'd sing in the safety of my commute to work, but that's about it.

Riley helped me pick a guitar, gave me a book, and play along recordings. He had me playing classic chords in about two lessons. I can now read guitar music and have come up with some of my own tunes. I wasnt a very good student at first, but I showed up for my lessons. Just that took me a long way until I actually wanted to practice and really started to enjoy my guitar.

I was missing something in my life - all I did was work, eat, and sleep. I hadn't considered music as an outlet. My wife just signed me up one night and then told me I was going to learn something new. I was kind of mad at her at first (and hence my resistance to practicing), but I'm really glad she did that for me - and I thank her every time I play guitar.

Riley is great - he has a ton of patience with me. Considering that he went to one of the best guitar schools in the country (MIT/GIT), and can pretty much play wherever he wants, this really shows how much he loves to teach. Riley can play the obscure tune, pop, metal, classical guitar (he's got me on Beethoven now), and he even played yngvei with serious proficiency. The man has mastered the guitar and wants to teach. He is a working musician, and has had gigs every week that I've known him. He understands the music business, so he can give sound advice if you want a music career. So far as lessons go, it's just a matter of practicing what he tells you. There is no guitar, amp, or pick that can make you sound better. But Riley can.

I wish I (or my wife) had signed me up a long time ago. Best money I spend each month. Anyway, I better get back to practicing.

Evan May 19, 2016·Guitar·In home

Riley is an amazing teacher. There is always a plan and a way forward to reach your goals. I highly recommend Riley, been taking lessons with him for years.

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Riley W.

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Riley W.

Frisco, TX 75035

(4)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

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About Lola M.

Country music and its execution utilizes some specific techniques and methods of playing that brings the country style to life. Each lesson is tailored to fit each individual student, covering specifically the country music genre. I have a blast teaching and my students have fun learning!

About Lola

I have more than 30 years of musical experience. I’ve taught guitar, piano, bass, and theater in private schools, art schools and I’m currently teaching at Classic Axe Guitar Gallery in Gainesville, VA. I’ve taught over 250 students in all levels of experience, tailoring each lesson to fit each student, covering all genres, so that learning their instrument is fun. It’s been exciting to see some of them become music majors, some of them become performers, and some using their skills and gifts to teach others. I love teaching and sharing my musical knowledge with people of ALL ages. I believe anyone can learn music, with the right approach and encouragement. Nothing gives me more pleasure than watching my students accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible.

...

Reviews

Deserai February 16, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·Online

Lola was amazing and very personable :) she made me feel at ease on wanting to learn a new instrument

Jack January 4, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·Online

She is awesome!

Skylar December 29, 2017·Piano·Online

Fantastic first lesson - look forward to next week!

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Lola M.

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Lola M.

Online

(10)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Grant H.

There are many ways to cultivate your musical skill whether it's visual, kinesthetic, or auditory. Let's find out which way works best for you!

Most schools do not offer the flexibility in learning styles necessary for you to find your ideal way of processing new information, whether it be visual, auditorial, kinesthetic, memetic, right brain/left brain, etc.

That's why I'm here! I pride myself on working with each individual student on the subtle ways that they learn and form healthy habits. If you have any questions about my teaching styles or methods please ask!

A little more about me:

I have over 10 years of guitar experience, studying under Jazz heavyweights Corey Christiansen, Oteil Burbridge, and Dan Miller. I pride myself in putting my students needs and wants above all else. I wish to impart a love for music onto my students that can only be cultivated by the bond a teacher and their student share, let us learn and grow together!

About Grant

Hello!

My name is Grant and I’ve been helping students grow for over 11 years now! How time flies! I started playing music at the age of 9 and have been in love with it ever since, staying active in my local music scene as an instructor, performer, manager, and booking agent.

I pride myself in taking a students learning needs and using that as my basis for their specific lesson plan, always on a case-by-case basis, tailored to each individual student. Everyone is at a different waypoint on their path so why would I use a predetermined formula to try and help them, am I right?

This can mean using a specific song as a goal and learning the specific techniques that we need in order to learn it as our curriculum. This could also mean finding out if a visual approach to teaching is better than an auditory one. I like to think of thes

e things for my students to make their learning as easy and effective as possible.

In addition to freelance work, (weddings, jazz brunch gigs, etc.) I am the lead guitarist for the Funk/R&B band Water Seed and the soul project RetroFit. I attended Indiana University for jazz guitar and have studied under jazz greats Dan Miller, Corey Christiansen, and Oteil Burbridge.

I teach all kinds of stringed instruments from guitar and bass to mandolin and banjo! If you have any questions about my teaching methods, skill level in a certain discipline, or anything you can think of I would be more than happy to answer you!

Musically yours,Grant

...

Reviews

Jim F. February 9, 2018·Mandolin·Online

Super lesson. Had a refresher in some music theory.
Very educational.

Jim F. January 24, 2018·Mandolin·Online

As the lessons continue,it has been a amazing journey,

Joel E. January 18, 2018·Banjo·Online

Grant is a great instructor. He's patient and provides helpful feedback in a supportive way. He's also very accommodating and willing to help me with the things I want to learn.

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Grant H.

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Grant H.

Online

(60)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Rees F.

Guitar lessons with me are unique because of the wide range of my musical interests, experiences, and passions. I've studied many different styles of music and feel comfortable teaching in any genre. I work hard to personalize each lesson to the individual learning style of my students and encourage their passion for music.

About Rees

I am a professional multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer. I graduated from USC Thornton School of Music with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance, specifically within Popular Music. Students can expect their lessons to be highly personalized based on their interests and learning styles. Having operated in so many facets musically, I know how much depth is involved in being a complete musician and I encourage my students to be lifelong music lovers. I've performed alongside wide ranging acts such as John Fogerty, Glenn Frey, The Beach Boys, X-Ambassadors, and Diplo, and I've been mentored by greats such as Patrice Rushen and Glen Ballard. Knowing the value that mentorship has played in my musical journey encourages me to pay-it-forward. I love working with students who are as curious and passionate as I am.

...

Reviews

Erin October 26, 2017·Piano·In studio

Rees was AMAZING with my boys, at the time they were 8 and 10. They are very different in the way they learn and he was able to adapt to teach them each in an individual way that they loved. I only wish he still lived in town.

Katie October 23, 2017·Piano·In studio

Rees was a phenomenal instructor for my two children. He tailored instruction to meet their individual needs and interests. He also kept them engaged and motivated. A great piano instructor!

Andrea October 22, 2017·Piano·In home

Rees inspired a love of music in my daughter that has lasted for the past 7 years when she first started with him. He has an attention to detail and music composition which he's able to incorporate into a fun learning environment. He's since moved from our area but his impression has lived on in my daughters love of music. Consider yourself incredibly fortunate if you have the opportunity to bring him into your child's musical instruction. We've yet to be able to recreate the Rees experience but our fortunate that the base he provided has carried us even now that he has moved on.

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Rees F.

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Rees F.

Online

(3)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Geordie K.

I have been playing and recording professionally for 30+ years, to include 21+ years in the US Navy Music Program/Navy Band where I performed in ~60 countries world wide. I hold a bachelor's and master's degree in Music Theory/Composition and Jazz Studies, and I studied with jazz guitar legend Jimmy Bruno. I have taught guitar privately, at the community college level, and have five years experience teaching guitar, jazz improvisation, jazz combos, contemporary music ensemble (rock/top 40), and big band jazz ensembles at the Armed Forces School of Music and Naval School of Music. Additionally, my reading/sight-reading skills are outstanding, and I have many musicals under my belt in the pit orchestra. I have the prerequisite skill to teach you how to play any style, read musical notation, and studio record.

About Geordie

My skill-set and industry expertise are comprehensive and up-to-date. I make it my top priority to see that my instrumental performance and pedagogy is executed well andefficiently. My career has also seen its share of achievements; while working as a Navy Musician, I became one of only 25 Bandmasters/commissioned officers in the Navy Music Program Navy-wide. Furthermore, my concurrent work throughout my career as a private, freelance musician has yielded two recordings as a leader, and my becoming an Endorsement Artist for Heritage Guitars in 2001.

During my time working at the Armed Forces School of Music, as Jazz Guitar, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Combo, and Jazz Big Band instructor, I learned a great deal and achieved a number of goals. One of my highest achievements was earning the MasterTraining Specialist designation for excep

tional performance as an instructor in a record 4 months. This typically takes 1-3 years to attain. Earning this designation led to my earning 5 Meritorious Commendation Medals and 4 Navy Achievement Medals to date,which in turn led to the best trained Navy Musicians graduating from the Armed Forces School of Music during my tenure. In my recent capacity as Director, Navy Band Great Lakes, I was able to significantly expand my skill-set.

My responsibilities for programming music and managing travel for a concert band, parade band, ceremonial band, Dixieland band, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, and a blues band caused me to develop my musical knowledge across all genres, as well as my ability to manage large sums of money. I'vebeen stationed here since 2014, and I work regularly as a jazz guitar leader and sideman on the Chicago gig scene. Upon my retirement from the Navy Music Program in 2018, I will remain in Chicago and devote the full entirety of my efforts to performance, pedagogy, and recording as a private citizen-musician.

I have held a SECRET clearance for 21+ years. That is the most intense background check anyone can get, which is why I passed on the Take Lessons background check.

Currently available for tours, lessons, recording, and live performances.

...

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Geordie K.

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Geordie K.

Online

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

About Jason R.

Fun and informative music lesson from a Master teacher. I love all kinds of music and enjoy playing and teaching a variety of styles. We have a proven method and established curriculum but want to help you meet your specific goals first.Professor of guitar at 2 midwestern universities with over 25 years of teaching experience. Here to help you become the player you aspire to be!

About Jason

As a versatile guitarist, Jason Riley’s professional experience includes recording, composing, teaching and performing in multiple styles. His education in classical guitar and commercial music included extended study in American styles, the Jazz idiom and improvisation.

As a recording artist, Jason has produced and released four solo CDs, Notes to Self (a compilation of original compositions) , Outtakes (original arrangements of traditional works), Spirit of Things (traditional American spirituals), and Funky Folk (familiar folk melodies and some quiet-time classical). An equally successful and dedicated sideman, his playing has been featured extensively on many albums by other artists.

ts, is demonstrated through his humble stage presence, acclaimed work with acoustic and electric instruments and heart-felt tributes to his many musical influences. His versatility of style, mood and character is seemingly unlimited: he can play soft and subtle, frantic and aggressive, he can swing, he can rock, he can play unaccompanied, with other guitarists or with symphony orchestra. His work on stage not only reflects his understanding of classical form and balance, but shows a highly original combination of this classical/rock/jazz background that very few guitarists can successfully execute in live performance.

Jason has won competitions and reader’s polls in both the rock and country genres and has opened for and performed with national and international artists. He has also made numerous radio and television appearances. When not on tour, Jason serves as adjunct professor of guitar at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS and Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, MO. He has also served as co-director at the Festival Chartres – an international guitar festival in Chartres, France.